Gal-dem, an independent magazine elevating women of colour

Gal-dem is a bold, powerful and necessary independent magazine that’s committed to sharing perspectives from women and non-binary people of colour. Founded in 2015 by Liv Little in her last year of university, gal-dem publishes an annual magazine that features empowering stories from contributors, and great graphics and illustrations. As gal-dem has grown in the last five years, it now publishes regular content on its website as well, covering politics, news, culture, activism, music and horoscopes.

Gal-dem UN/REST magazine issue on bookshelf
Gal-dem UN/REST magazine issue with photo of Candice Carty-Williams and Yasmin Rahman

Crucial representation for women of colour

The gal-dem editorial team is fully comprised of women of colour, addressing the imbalance in journalism, which is 94% white and 55% male. Its editorial represents people of colour rarely seen or heard in mainstream media. From dismissing a South Asian woman’s symptoms of cancer in Diagnosis, Expected, to a Black woman wondering as a child at what point of the night to put on their scarf at a predominately white sleepover in Midnight Memories, these stories offer valuable insight for white readers, and crucial representation for people of colour.

I am passionate about reading independent magazines that portray women’s lives honestly. The Black Lives Matter movement has challenged me to commit to being anti-racist and understand people of colour’s lived experiences. I’ve become aware that many of the independent magazines I share on Arts Bites are created for and by white people, and that I have a responsibility to read and present diversity in this blog.

Gal-dem UN/REST magazine issue with photo of athlete Kadeena Cox

Gal-dem is the magazine everyone should read

Racial inequality in the UK rarely made headline news until the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. In this vacuum, gal-dem addresses the racial sleep gap, racial diagnosis gap and the benefits of rewriting the rules of publishing for people of colour in its 2019 issue. At a time when people are very aware of the need for full racial and female representation, gal-dem delivers. In the UN/REST issue gal-dem features Paralympian athlete Kadeena Cox, and debut authors, including Candice Carty-Williams among others.

Gal-dem UN/REST magazine cover with coffee cup on arm of chair

I’ve had such a great insight into the lives and experiences of women and non-binary people of colour from reading gal-dem. It really shines a light on how women of colour are struggling and celebrating just like all women, but often with the additional impact of racial and cultural prejudices.

Gal-dem is an intelligent and empowering magazine for women, and I can’t wait to read more. Check out the next annual issue of gal-dem published in September: Buy gal-dem magazine